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Manir then slammed on his brakes and swerved to avoid the uncle's Vauxhall Zafira but mounted the pavement and hit Aleena.

Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, said CCTV footage showed Manir and Saddique accelerating at "considerable speed" along the road before the collision and said one witness described the drivers as "boy racers driving in a silly way".

He told the jury: "His conduct is encouraging Mr Manir in the Audi to keep driving quickly. That's dangerous driving. Aleena was hit by a car which had lost control because it was driving much too fast in a 30mph area.

"Saddique was also driving dangerously at high speeds tailgating Manir at a distance of only a few feet. His driving contributed to accident and in so contributed to the death of Aleena."

Two cars being driven by Adil Manir and Mohsen Saddique along Bacup Road in Rawtenstall before they mowed down and killed a young girl (Photo: PA)

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"The irresponsible and dangerous way in which they raced their vehicles, in a built up area, at a busy time of day has led to the worst possible outcome, the death of a young girl who was simply walking along the pavement with her mother.

"This case highlights the fatal consequences that dangerous driving can have and shows just how much damage and heartbreak it can cause. This collision will have a lasting impact on all those involved and my thoughts very much remain with Aleena's family at this time."

In a statement Aleena's family said the youngster left behind parents Mumtaz Ali and Sofia, two older sisters and an older brother.

They said: "Our family has been devastated by the death of our youngest daughter. Aleena was a sweet, caring child who touched the lives of everyone she met. Our home feels empty and our hearts broken but we thank God for blessing us by lending us his angel for nine years."